It is now a full week since Fashion Bomb Daily’s first Fashion Show and first NYFW event, the Bomb Fashion Show.
Despite cheery appearances, glossy photos, and smiles, throwing an event is like throwing a wedding! And like rain on a wedding day, everything can and will go wrong.
For us, we dealt with a litany of elements that threatened to sabotage our efforts. Members on our team who I entrusted to take care of key elements disappeared on me until 48 hours before the event. “Key” elements included, for example, a liquor license, that we were told was under control, but wasn’t: we secured a liquor license so guests could enjoy Bombay Bramble cocktails less than 24 hours before doors opened. Not to mention the venue owner was not the easiest to deal with. I could go on (it got worse, but I’m really trying to keep it cute). So when I saw models, in clothes, walking down a runway, I couldn’t help but burst into tears of joy (I also almost cried at many times during the event).
I smiled bright when I saw the line wrapping around the corner to get in. I beamed when all my friends and Fashion Bomb Daily readers came and grabbed a pic. Despite it all, the Bomb Fashion Show happened. It was a miracle. It’s by the Grace of GOD it happened.
We had over 300 guests. Bevy Smith was our host and Olivia Dope was on the beats. Cynthia Bailey and I had a Convos with Claire in front of guests that included Jayda Cheaves, Dreamdoll, Sevyn, Ty Hunter, Neal Farinah and Rome Flynn. The event was featured in US Weekly, Yahoo Style, Black Enterprise, and Hello Beautiful. We also had great sponsors like Shea Moisture, Bombay Bramble, Maison Marcel Wine, I Envy by Kiss Lashes, and Darling Hair Extensions.
Although some things went wrong (for example: the original outfit I was supposed to wear was at a minimum FIVE sizes too big), the final package was all the way right. And to know that this platform and community created opportunities for designers like London Couture, Oyemwen, Khangle, Bree Original Designs, and Mah Jing Wong to show at Fashion Week for the first time made all the sacrifice, stress, and anxiety worth it in the end.
15 years ago this didn’t even seem possible. I saw no way into the industry. But, by the grace of GOD, I made a way for myself–and now we are opening doors for others.
Perhaps the greatest blessing: We now have the lessons in hand to produce an immaculate event next year. I hope you’ll join us.
Thank you to my event manager, Steven Lamont, who went over and above. Thank you to everyone who volunteered, all the models, and to my assistants Sherene and Shanelle. Thanks you to Concrete Communications Jasmine and Gee and thanks to all of our sponsors. Also thank you to everyone who invested in the event.
You are literally the bomb.
Now off to plan for the Faby’s…!
Love & Light,
Images: Sone Jr/ Badmon/Artistic Chad
